Jennifer is a social justice advocate who believes that everyone should have equal rights and the ability to identify as themselves, express that however is comfortable for them, and love with abandon whomever they choose. Jennifer has served the rural counties of the NY southerntier as a social worker for children, youth, and families in school, mental health, and community settings. Jennifer's current position aligns with her passion for integrated substance use treatment and harm reduction. Jennifer has been a lifelong counselor and enjoys providing safe space for people while empowering them to change their lives. 

Jodie became a part of this fabulous group of women while working with children and families at a therapeutic foster care agency. While she enjoyed her work there, she left to go back to school and pursue another career. She is currently a massage therapist and entrepreneur- loving her job. She lives in a small NY town with her husband and her teenage daughter, where she serves on her school’s board of education. In her spare time, Jodie enjoys performing with Luminosa, a Colorguard based out of Buffalo, NY.

Kerri, a respected leader, has spent her career working for her local Community Action Agency overseeing grant-funded programs that create better outcomes for children, youth, and families. Kerri is passionate about developing strong teams by creating meaningful relationships and development opportunities. Kerri believes in bringing people along with her by recognizing others personal strengths and offering access to opportunities. Kerri lives in her rural hometown of Belmont, NY, in her childhood home with her 3 cats. She loves to entertain family and friends. Kerri has one son, Forest, who she is continually amazed by and proud of.

Mary has spent her career in the service of others. Above all else, she values her integrity and strives to see the humanity in all people; As the saying goes, “It’s a practice, not a perfect.” She considers herself a lifelong learner and will say “yes” to any opportunity. Mary is most at peace hiking quietly in the thick woods along a footpath in the company of Carl, her husband and best friend, and their dog, Ella.

Sharing lessons learned through her own journey

Tracy Bradshaw is a veteran mission-based leader who has spent two decades developing, implementing and evaluating programming primarily with women and teens. She is an expert in team development, group dynamics, and experiential learning. Tracy's debut book, Women Gathering and Growing with TEA, shares lessons learned through her own journey of self-empowerment and her career working with vulnerable populations and at-risk youth. The single mother of a blended family, she is originally from a rural hamlet in Western New York.